Tuning mechanism



Dec. 6, 1949 e. 'c. LARSON 4 TUNING IECHANISI 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 31, 1946 mmvron.

O Y my K c n w Dec. 6, 1949 c, c, LARSON 2,490,526

"roams IEGHANISI Filed Oct. 31, 1945 3 sheets-sheet 2 FIG.3

INVEN TOR. GILBERT G. LARSON ATTOFN Y 6, 1949 G. c. LARSON TUNING MECHANISH Filed Oct. 31. 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. GILBERT C. LARSON ATTORNEY Patented Doc. 6, 1919 TUNING MECHANISM Gilbert C. Larson, Bayside, N. Y., asslgnor to Hazeltine Research, Inc., Chicago, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Application October 31, 1946, Serial No. 706,893

This invention is directed to tuning mechanisms for wave-signal translating apparatus and, particularly, to manually operable tuning mechanisms of the push-button type in which each push button is adapted selectively to adjust the tuning of a wave-signal translating apparatus such as a radio receiver to a plurality of frequencies, each of which usually comprises a predetermined frequency in any of a plurality of frequency bands. As used throughout the specification and claims, the term plurality of frequency bands is intended to include a plurality of discrete frequency bands, which may be ad- Joining or widely separated.

Manually operable tuning controls of the pushbutton type have been employed principally in connection with radio receivers which receive signals within a single frequency band. Their use in receivers which are adapted to receive signals in any of a plurality of frequency bands, however, has not been extensive due, in genera], to the multiplicity of push buttons and associated mechanisms which are required to afford tuning to a sumcient number of individual frequencies in each band. In view of the present trend toward multiband receivers, particularly those for selectively translating both amplitudemodulated'and frequency-modulated signals, it would be very desirable to employ in a receiver a push-button tuning mechanism which utilizes a plurality of push buttons, each of which may be utilized to tune the receiver to a preselected frequency in any of the several frequency bands. For some installations, it would also be desir able additionally to include a continuously variable manual tuning control which could be operated to tune the receiver over the entire frequency range in any of the above-mentioned bands. 1

It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide a new and improved tuning mechanism of the push-button type for a wave-signal translating apparatus in which each push button is adapted by the actuation or movement thereof to tune the apparatus to any preselected frequency within each of a plurality of frequency bands.

It is another'object of the invention to provide a new and improved tuning mechanism of the push-button type for a wave-signal translating apparatus in which the number of push buttons and co-operating mechanisms required to adjust the tuning of the apparatus to any preselected frequency within each of a plurality of frequency bands is extremely few.

1'7 Claims. (Cl. 171--242) It is a further object of the invention to provide a new and improved tuning mechanism of the push-button type for a wave-signal translating arrangement, which mechanism is relatively simple in construction, compact in arrangement, and accurately adjustable.

In accordance with a particular form of the invention, a tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning the apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprises a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operatlve position and adapted when moved to the operative position thereof to effect a preselected adjustment of the tuning means. The tuning mechanism also includes a manually operable element for each of the groups of actuating members, each of the manually operative elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of the actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting the tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency. The tuning mechanism additionally includes means for latching any actuated member in the aforesaid operative position thereof, and means on each of the actuating members for tripping the latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in the operative position thereof when any actuating membar is operated from the nonoperative position thereof to the operative position thereof. The tuning mechanism further includes means for selectively establishing operative relations between each of the manually operable elements and any selected one of the actuating members of a group individual thereto so that the tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any of a plurality of preselected frequencies by each of the manually. operable elements. The tuning mechanism also includes means controlled by the means for establishing operative relations for tripping the latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in the operative position thereof prior to the establishment of operative relations between the actuating members and the manually operable elements.

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects thereof, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

' details of construction.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1-3, inclusive, of the drawings, the tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus includes a framework it which supports a.v plurality of adjustable tuning means II, II and II; II (Figs. 2 and 3) for tuning the apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies within each of a plurality of frequency bands, specifically a pair of frequency bands. An upper set of tuning means II,

II is employed to tune the apparatus in one frequency band while a lower set of tuning means II, II is utilized to tune the arrangement in the other of the pair of frequency bands. Each tuning means comprises a variable inductance de; vice including a winding l2, which is rigidly supascent of any other member and is adapted to actuate the carriage i1 and both of the associated tuning meansi-H, ii and ii, ll. These members comprise pairs of slides 30, 30", each slide being slidably mounted in a rectangular guiding aperture 3| in each of the transverse plates 20. (see Fig. 4). Each slide includes a cam 33 having a steep shoulder portion 34 at the terminal end of the cam. A biasing means in the form of a coil ported by a bracket M on the framework iii, and

a magnetic core IS, the position of which within the winding may be altered in a manner to be described subsequently to vary the inductance thereof. Each of the upper set of tuning means I I, II is connected to suitable circuits of a wavesignal translating apparatus such as a well-known multiband receiver through one section of each of a. set of switches l5, 15 (see Fig. 2) while eachand the switches l5, l5 comprise elements of a conventional multiband radio receiver, it is unnecessary to-illustrate the details of the receiver circuit. Hence only one connection to each of I the sections of the switches l5, I5 is shown from each of the windings l2, l2.

The tuning mechanism also includes a longitudinally movable member on carriage IT for controlling each of the tuning means II and II. The carriage i1 is provided with a transverse end plate l8 which is attached to three longitudinal rods it of circular cross section slidably mounted in three accurately conforming bores IS in a pair of vertically disposed transverse plates 20, 28 which constitute a portion of the framework It. A pair of coil springs 2|, 2| (see Fig.1) are fastened to lugs 22, 22 on opposite ends of the end plate I8 of the carriage l1 and to lugs 24, 25 on the forward portion of the framework Ill, normally to maintain the end plate id of the arriage in engagement with the rear portion of the framework as shown in the broken-line constructionin Figs. 1 and 3. Each core I! of each tuning means [I and II includes a semirigi'd threaded extension 26 which passes through a suitable aperture in the end plate i8 and is secured thereto by means of a pair of nuts 25, 25 so that movement of carriage l1 is'eflective to adjust the position of the core with respect to the corresponding winding II of the tuning device II or H. The described individual adjustment of each core I! may be employed for alignment P rp ses.

spring 85 is suspended between the rearmost end of each slide 80, 30' and the front transverse plate Zl for the purpose of normally retaining the slide in an inoperative position wherein the shoulder 36 engages the forward plate 20 in the manner illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The forwa'd end of each of these slides has secured thereto a spool-shaped member 32 for a purpose to be explained subsequently. An adjusting screw 39, which is adapted freely to pass through relatively large apertures 40, 40 in the transverse plates 29, 2c, is adjustably mounted in threaded apertures 4!, ii in a bifurcated lug 42 on each of the slides 30. The position of the rear end of each screw 39 with respect to its co-operating lug 42 varies with each slide, so that each slide is adapted to tune the associated receiver to a diflerent predetermined frequency. as will be made clear herinafter.

The tuning mechanism also comprises a plurality of manually operable push-button elements 45 which correspond in number to the number of groups or pairs of slides 3d, 30'. Each push-button element is disposed individually to engage and to move any one of the slides 30 or 8d of -a different pair or group from a nonoperative position to an operative position for selectively adjusting the tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency, specifically to a selected frequency within a selected frequency band, as will be explained in detail subsequently. Each push button element 35 is in the form of a bell-crank lever which is pivotally mounted on a lug B6 and extends through an elongated aperture 4? (see Fig. 3) in a channel 48 on the upper front portion of the framework ID. The lug 65 comprises a portion of a transversely movable shifting bar as which is slidably mounted in the cel d8 (see also Fig. 4).

Each push-button element includes a forwardly extending arm 50 having a finger pad 5| at the free end thereof, which may carry a transmitting station identifying legend, and a downwardly extending arm 53 having an arcuate contact surface as at itslower end. 7 A relatively short arm at on each push-button element ll The tuning arrangement also includes a plu-' rality of groups oflongitudinally movable memextends rearwardly of the pivot and includes a small aperture 56 at the end thereof (see Figs.. 3 and 5). A flat tongue 51 having a bifurcated end 58 is hooked into the aperture =58of each push-button element while the opposite end of the tongue slidably extends through an opening 59 in a channel 6| which is attached to the framework Iii by suitable fasteners 63 (see Fig. 1)

A washer 65 is slidably mounted on each tongue 51 and is maintained in resilient engagement with the corresponding arm 55 by means of a coil spring 61 which encompasses the tongue and exerts a thrust on both the slidable washers 65 and the fixed channel 6|.

Each push-button element 45 has an upright non-operative position in which the finger pad SI is at its highest elevation and also a depressed operative positionwherein the pad is at a lower 'bers, each -of which is movable independently el t as villustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 m drawings. In either of the two positions the arm and the tongue 01 are not disposed in a straight line. Because of this factor and also because of the biasing action afforded by the spring 01, each combination comprising the pivoted portion of a push-button element 4!, its arm 00, the tongue 01, the spring 01, and the washer 00 constitutes an eflective means for yieldably restraining each push-button element normally in an upright position prior to the operation thereof and in a depressed operative position after the operation thereof.

It will be noted in Figs. 4 and 5 that when a push-button element 40 is in an inoperative position, the arm 53 thereof extends substantially vertically and the arcuate contact surface 54 is aligned with the reduced diameter portion of the member 32 on one of the pairs of slides 30. It will be made clear hereinafter that, when a pushbutton element 45 is in an alternative position as represented by the broken-line construction of Fig. 4, it is also oriented so that it is adapted to make operative engagement with the other slide 30' of the pair of slides.

As previously mentioned, the coil spring 35 normally maintains each of the slides 30 or 30 'in the inoperative position which is illlustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. In the operative position which is illustrated for one of the slides in Fig. 3, the actuated slide is held in its rearmost position by means of a latch 10. The latch I0 comprises a bar or angle iron which extends transversely of the framework I0 and. is pivotally mounted thereon by means of a pair of pins 'II, H (see Figs. 1 and 4) which are connected to lugs I2, 12 at the extreme ends of the bar. The pins II are rotatably held in bearing apertures in the framework I0. A pair of coil springs I4,

"I4 are attached at their extremities to the rearmost transverse plate 20 and to a transverse plate or hook I5 on the latch I0 so that when a slide 30 or 30' is in an actuated or operative position,

the hook 15 is resiliently held against the shoulder 34 of that slide. 7

The tuning mechanism of the instant invention also comprises means for providing relative movement between the slide 30 or 30' and the push-button elements 45 for selectively and individually establishing operative relations between the plurality of push-button elements and any corresponding slide of the pairs of slides in order to determine in which one of the frequency bands the apparatus is tuned. This means includes a knob 18 which is attached to a shaft I9 that is rotatably supported in a pair of brackets 80, 80 which are attached to one side of the framework I0 (see Fig. 1). A linkage BI is attached at one of its ends to the shaft I9 while the other end thereof retains a horizontally disposed pin 83 (see also Fig. 4) which projects rearwardly through an elongated opening 84 in the transversely movable shifting bar 49. The pin 83 is also adapted to slide in a substantially U- shaped opening 05 in a transverse portion 86 of a member 81, the latter being pivotally secured.

Theshaft'llisalsoconnectedto anadditionai linkage 95 (Fig. 1) which is in turn coupled to a shaft 30 that is mounted in suitable brackets 01, 91 on the framework II. The rotary elements of the switches I3, I0 are operated by the shaft 30 in such a manner that switch I0 is closed when the switch I5 is open and vice versa.

The tuning mechanism also includes a manually operable continuously adjustable member which is adapted to adjust the tuning means of the receiver to any frequency within each of the pair of frequency bands. This member comprises a slide I00 which is essentially similar in construction to either of the described slides 30 or 30'. At the forward end of slide I00 is a spoolshaped member IOI (see Figs. 1 and 4) which is considerably longer than the member 32 on any of the other slides. An externally threaded hollow sleeve I03 is addustably mounted on a lug I04 on the top of the slide I00. Slide I00 has a cam portion I05, a shoulder I00, and a coil spring I01 which are similar to corresponding members of the slide 30. The hollow sleeve I03 has a rectangular bore and the sleeve is adapted to slide on a rod I08 of similar cross section so that rotation of the rod about its axis alters the position of the sleeve on the lug I04. The rod I00 also extends through a bearing H0 in the front of the framework and carries at its front end a sleeve III (see Fig. 1) and an adjusting knob II! (see Fig.4) so that rotation of the knob is effective to adjust the hollow sleeve I03 longitudinally of the lug I04., A frequency-indicating element or pointer H4 is slidably mounted on a transverse plate I I5 and is actuated by a cord I I0 and a pulley I I! which are associated with a winding drum I09 which is attached to the rod I08.

Centrally located between the push-button elements 45 at the front of the tuning mechanism is an additional push-button element I20 which is disposed selectively to place the above-described continuously adjustable member in cooperative relation. with either set of the tuning means II, II or II, II to permit the apparatus to be tuned to any frequency within each of the pair of frequency bands. Push-button element I20 is mounted on the shifting bar 49 and is similar to the previously described push-button elements 45, hence the description thereof need not be repeated.

Considering now the operation of the abovedescribed tuning mechanism, it will be initially assumed that all the push-button elements 45 are in an upright or inoperative position corresponding to that of the single push-button element which is illustrated in full lines in Fig. 4 of the drawings. It will also be assumed that the switches I5, I5 are so positioned that only the upper set of tuning means II, II is energized and operatively connected to the circuits of the radio receiver. As one of the push-button elements is depressed, for example the element shown in full lines in Fig. 4, it rotates about its pivot thereby causing contact surface" of the arm 55 to be brought into engagement with the member 32 on the end of the slide 30 of one of the pairs of slides. This pushes the slide 30 rearwardly in its guiding apertures 3|, 3i against the resistance of the coil spring 30. Cam 33 comes into engagement with the hook I0 of the latch I0 and depresses it to the position represented in broken lines in Fig. 4. Additional movement of the slide 30 permits the springs 14, I4 to pull the hook 15 firmly against the shoulder 34 at the back of the cam so that the slide is maintained in an operative position. During the above-mentioned rearward movement of the slide 30, the adjusting screw 39 on the top of the slide passes through the aperture 40 in the rearmost transverse plate 20 and is brought into engagement,

erated.-

The eccentric arrangement including the spring 51 on the actuated push-button element is effective to retain that element in a depressed position, and its appearance with respect to the remaining push-button elements indicates the frequency in the particular band to which the apparatus is tuned, as will be appreciated from the representation of Fig. 1 of the drawings.

To tune the receiver to a station in a different frequency band, such as the frequency-modula= tion band, the knob 18 is rotated clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 1. This turns the shaft 19 and operates the linkage H from the full-line position illustrated in Fig. 4 toward the broken-line position. As the linkage moves to the right, the pin 83 at the free end of the link moves freely in the elongated opening 84 in the shift bar 49 .while at the same time engaging the left-hand cam portion 8! in such a manner that the transverse portion 86 of the member 87 is elevated. This causes the rearwardly extending foot 93 to move to the position represented diagrammatically in broken line construction in Fig. 4, thus tripping the latch 30 and releasing the shoulder 34 of. the actuated slide 36 from en-. gagement with the latch hook l5. The spring 35 then returns the slide 30 to its original position and the thrust exerted on the arm 53 by the member 32 of the slide rocks the, push-button element 45 to its initial elevated position.

As the movement of the pin 83 continues to the right, it engages the right-hand end of the elongated opening 84 and forces the shifting bar 49 against the resistance of the plurality of members including the springs 51 from its initial position to a new position shown generally in broken lines in Fig. 4. Since the push-button elements are mounted on the shifting bar es, the former are displaced as a unit to the right to the new position represented diagrammatically by the broken line construction in Fig. 4 for a single push-button element. When the push-button elements 45 are in this new position, the pin 83 is in the upper right-hand portion of the elongated opening 85 and the member 81 and the latch Ill are returned to their original positions by the action of the coil springs 14. The final portion of movement of the shifting bar 49 to-the above-described new position is assisted by the action of the members including the plurality of coil springs 61 since they then exert a component of force to the right. Elements 45 and the shifting bar 49 are likewise resiliently maintained in this new position by the thrust which is exerted by the plurality of springs 61.

The above-mentioned switching, operation is effective to rotate the shaft 88 and to modify the 8 positions of the switches I5, it so that the windings l2, l2 of the upper set of tuning means H, H are no longer energized while the corresponding windings of the lower set of tuning means ii, i! are operatively coupled to the circuits of the receiver.

In the new operating position the lower depending arm 53 of each push-button element 45 is aligned with the other slide 30 of its corresponding pair of slides. Accordingly, it will be seen that the arrangement including the shifting bar 49 comprises a means for selectively and individually establishing operative relations between the plurality of push-button elements 45 and any corresponding slides of the pair of slides to determine to which one of the frequency bands'the apparatus is tuned. It will also be apparent that the pin 83 and the elongated openings 84 and 85 comprise a lost-motion means which is utilized for shifting the push-button elements relative to the slides.

The depression of a push-button element 65 will now cause the arm 55 thereof to actuate one of the slides 35' of the pairs of slides. ment of this slide operates the carriage H and the tuning means H, H in the previously described manner in connection with one of the slides 3d so that the receiver is tuned to a selected frequency in the second of the frequency bands. Operation of a different push-button element 55 causes its corresponding slide 30' to be actuated and the rearward movement brings its cam into engagement with the latch l5 and releases the previously actuated slide from the influence of the latch ll]. Movement of the last-mentioned actuated slide to the end of its rearward travel causes it to be latched so that the carriage ii is adjusted in a manner to tune the receiver to a different frequency.

If so-called manual or continuously adjustable tuning is desired, the push-button element in is depressed, thus bringing the arm i2! thereof into engagement with the member Hill on the slide E66. Slide Hill is moved rearwardly and this causes sleeve 503 to slide along the rod ltd.

Cam Hi5 operates the latch ill and releases all previously actuated slides before the slide N30 is locked in an operative position by the engagement of the hook it with the shoulder H96. Adjustment of the knob H2 causes the sleeve N33 to rotate within the lug ltd while sliding along the rod W8. Engagement of the end of rotary sleeve N33 with the plate It on the carriage il adjusts the position of the tuning means so that the receiver may be tuned by manual adjustment to any frequency in the specific frequency band which is selected, as determined by the position of the shifting bar 39. Rotation of the rod Hi8 also turns the drum I09 (see Fig. 1) and operates the frequency-indicating element lid in the wellknown manner.

It will be observed in Fig. 4 that in either of the positions illustrated for the arm iii of the push-button element I20, the arm is adapted to engage the spool-shaped member lllll because of the length of the latter. Actuation of the shifting bar 49 by rotation of knob 48 is effective to release any previously actuated slides 38 or 30' or Hill and to shift the arm lZl of push-button element l2il to either of the positions illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 4 so that tuning may be effected in either of the pair of frequency. bands. It will be apparent that the frequency-indicating element H4 is actuated only when the knob H2 is rotated.

The moveacoasac For some applications, push-button operation only may be sufflcient, in which case the continuousiy adjustable tuning mechanisrimay be dispensed with. While the invention has been described in connection with variable inductance tuning elements, it will be manifest that other types of tuning may be employed with an arrangement of the general character described.

However, the described mechanism is particularly advantageous in connection with inductancetuned' wave-signal translating apparatus since the longitudinally adjustable cores in the tuning means andthe co-operatlng mechanical portions thereof assure precise adjustment of frequency setting. The adjusting screws fl and ill may be set very accurately and conveniently from the front of the tuning mechanism. Wearing parts which affect the accuracy are few in number and are limited to the contacting surfaces of the adjusting screws 39 and Nil, the transverse plate It on the carriage I1, and also the hook I! and the shoulders 34 and illiwhich co-operate therelatching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said actuating members of a group individual thereto establishing operative relations for tripping said with. The absence of backlash in the adjustable are required and the switching problems are greatly minimized. As a result the tuning means may be mounted in a very compact fashion. This is particularly advantageous where space requirements for the tuning mechanism are severe.

While the invention has been described in connection with groups of slides comprising pairs of slides '30, 30', it will be manifest that a group of such slides may include three or more slides. Accordingly the shifting mechanism including the shifting bar 49 will have a corresponding number of positions instead of the two mentioned hereinbefore.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodi .nent of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without de-' parting from the invention, and it is, therefore;

aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within .the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: I

l. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

2. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adiustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating 'members, each of said manually'operable elements being adapted individually and directly to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; meansfor selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said' actuating members of a group individual thereto,

so that said tuning means may be selectively ad- .iusted to any of a plurality of preselected frequencies by each of said manually operable elements; and means controlled by said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

3. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adiustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperaeeasae ative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuatin members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof: means for selectively and individually estab-. lishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any corresponding members oi said groups of actuating members so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any selected frequency in a predetermined group of frequencies; and means controlled by said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching means andreleasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements. i

4. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of pairs of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment' of said tuning means; 'a manually operable element for each of said pairs of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one 'of said actuating members of an individual pairthereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting saidtuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means ,on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actu-= ating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said actuating members of a pair individual thereto so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any of a pair of preselected frequencies by each of said manually operable elements; and means controlled by said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching -means and releasing any actuated member latched in' said operative position thereof prior tothe establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

,5.-A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to aplurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a pluralityvo'i groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted 'when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected v adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said we means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof: means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching'means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position'thereof; means providing relative movement between said actuating members and said manually operable elements for selectively and individually establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any corresponding members of said groups of actuatin members so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any selected frequency in a predetermined group of frequencies; and means controlled by said means for providing said relative movement for tripping said latching :1: and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said relative movement and said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

6. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any able elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actu-. ating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said actuating members, of a group individualsaid tuning means; a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being longitudinally movable independently of any other actuating member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to actuate said control member to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable elev ment for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements -being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position thereby to actuate said control member for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in'said operative position thereof: means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for producing transverse relative movement between said actuating members and said manually operable elements for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said actuating members of a group individual thereto so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any of a plurality of preselected frequencies by each of said manually operable elements; and means controlled by said means for producing said transverse relative movement for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said transverse relative movement and said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

-8. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including longitudinally adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a longitudinally movable carriage for controlling said tuning means; a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being longitudinally movable independently of any other actuating member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to actuate said carriage to efiect a preselected' adjustment of said tuning means; a push-button element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said push-button elements being adapted individually to engage and to move anyone of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position to actuate said carriage for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for producing transverse relative movement between said actuating members and said push-button elements for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said push-button ele- I 14 ments and any selected one of said actuating members of a group individual thereto so that said tuning ,means may be selectively adjusted to any of a plurality of preselected frequencies by each of said push-button elements; biasing.

means for maintaining said carriage in co-operative relation with any selected one of said actuating members; and means controlled by said means for producing said transverse relative movement for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the'establishment of said transverse relative movement and said operative relations between said actuating members and said push-button elements.

9. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to eifect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; biasing means for normally retaining said actuating members in said nonoperative position; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operableelements and any selected one of said actuating members of a group individual thereto so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any of a plurality of preselected frequencies by each of said manually operable elements; and means controlled by said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

10. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tunin said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said translating apparatus including operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said opei ative position thereof; means providing relative move- I ment between said actuating members and \said manually operable elements for selectively and individually establishing operative relations between each ofsaid manually operable elements and any corresponding members of said groups of actuating 'members so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any selected frequency in a predetermined group of frequencies;

and means controlled by said last-named means for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior 'to the establishment of operative relations between said actuating members and said manually. operable elements.

18 l actuatin members, e h. of said manually operable elements being adapted individually en age and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; 'means for 11. A tuning mechanism for a vwave-signal adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each mem= ber thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; biasing means for normally retaining said actuating members in said nonoperative position; means for latch-' ing any actuated'member in said operative position thereof; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted said actuating members for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said actuating members of a group individual thereto so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any of a plurality of preoperable elements; and a pivoted member having a cam portion which is arranged for actuation by said lost-motion means to trip said latching means and, to release any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the shifting of said manually operable elements relative to said actuating member's.

- 12.'A tuning mechanism fora wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means oneach of said actuain members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively establishing operative relations between each of said manually operable elements and any selected one of said actuating members of a group in-' dividual thereto so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any of a plurality of preselected frequencies by each of said manually operable elements; means controlled by. said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of-said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements; and means for yieldably restraining each of said manually operable elements normally in a nonoperative position prior to operation thereof and in an operative positionafter'operation thereof to indicatethe frequency to which said apparatus is tuned.

13; A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means" for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plural- I I an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a pivotally mounted manually operable push-button element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of saidmanu'ally operable push-button elements having an upright nonoperative posl- Y tion and a depressed operative position and being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting selected frequencies by each of said-manually said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means l7 ments; and eccentric means co-operating with said push-button elements for yieldably restraining each of said manually operable push-button elements normally in said nonoperative position prior to operation thereof and in said operative position after operation thereof to indicate the frequency to which said apparatus is tuned.

14. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being longitudinally movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively and simultaneously shifting said push-button elements transversely of said groups of actuating members to any one of a plurality of positions for selecti"ely and individually establishing operative relations in any one of said plurality of transverse positions between said manually operable elements and any corresponding members of said groups of actuating members so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any selected frequency in a predetermined different group of frequencies; means controlled by said shifting means for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements; and eccentric biasing means for yieldably restraining each of said manually operable elements normally in a nonoperative position prior to operation thereof and in an operative position after operation thereof and for yieldably maintaining said shifting means in any selected one of said plurality of transverse positions.

15. A tuning mechanism for a wave -signal translating apparatus including a plurality of adjustable means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies within any one of a plurality of frequency bands comprising:v a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to effect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said man- 18 means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively and individually establishing operative relations between said plurality of manually operable elements and any corresponding members of said groups of actuating members so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any preselected frequency in a predetermined different group of frequencies; means operatively associated with said last-named means for selectively controlling any one of said plurality of tuning means to determine in which one of saidfrequency bands said apparatus is tuned and means controlled by said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching means and releasing any acuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

16. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including a plurality of adjustable inductance means for tuning said apparatus to a plurality of preselected frequencies within any one of a plurality of frequency bands comprising: a plurality of groups of actuating members, each member thereof being movable independently of any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position 'to effect a preselected adjustment of said inductance means; a manually operable element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said manually operable elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said inductance means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereof when any actuating member is operated from said nonoperative position thereof to said operative position thereof; means for selectively and individually establishing operative relations between said'plurality of manually operable elements and any corresponding members of said groups of actuating members so that said inductance means may be selectively adjusted to any preselected frequency in a predetemined different group of frequencies; switching means operatively associated with said lastnamed means for selectively controlling the energization of any one of said plurality of inductance means to determine in which one of said frequency bands said apparatus is tuned and means controlled by said means for establishing operative relations for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member latched in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of said operative relations between said actuating members and said manually operable elements.

1'7. A tuning mechanism for a wave-signal translating apparatus including longitudinally adjustable tuning means for tuning said apparfor controlling said tuning means;

atus to a plurality of preselected frequencies comprising: a longitudinally movable member a plurality oi. groups of actuating members. each member thereof being longitudinally movable independently 01 any other member from a nonoperative position to an operative position and adapted when moved to said operative position to actuate said control member to efiect a preselected adjustment of said tuning means; a manually operable push-button element for each of said groups of actuating members, each of said push-button elements being adapted individually to engage and to move any one of said actuating members of an individual group thereof from its nonoperative position to its operative position for selectively adjusting said tuning means to a corresponding preselected frequency; means for latching any actuated member in said operative position thereof; means on each of said actuating members for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member which is latched in said operative position thereo! when any actuating member is operated from said 20 button elements and any corresponding members 01' said groups of actuating members so that said tuning means may be selectively adjusted to any preselected frequency in a predetermined ditrerent group of frequencies; eccentric biasing means for yieldably restraining each 01 said push-button elements normally in a nonoperative position prior to operation thereof and in an operative position after operation thereof and for yieldably maintaining said shifting means in any selected one of said plurality oi transverse positions; and means controlled by said shifting means for tripping said latching means and releasing any actuated member in said operative position thereof prior to the establishment of transverse movement and different nonoperative position thereof to said operative g5 position thereof; means for selectively and simultaneously shifting said push-button elements transversely of said groups of actuating members to any one of a plurality of positions for selectively and individually establishing opera tive relations between said plurality of pushoperative relations between said actuating members and said push-button element.

GILBERT C. LARSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

